The coins most investors choose
| Coin | Mint | Purity | IRA-eligible |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Silver Eagle | US Mint | 99.9% | Yes |
| Canadian Silver Maple Leaf | Royal Canadian Mint | 99.99% | Yes |
| Austrian Silver Philharmonic | Austrian Mint | 99.9% | Yes |
| British Silver Britannia | Royal Mint | 99.9% | Yes |
| Pre-1965 US dimes, quarters, halves | US Mint | 90% | No |
American Silver Eagle
The best-known silver coin in the US, backed by the federal government for weight and purity. It's the easiest to resell domestically, but its premium over spot is often the highest of the group. You're paying partly for that recognition.
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Slightly purer than the Eagle and usually a little cheaper. Modern Maples include security features, such as micro-engraved marks, that make counterfeits harder to pass. Widely accepted by US dealers.
Austrian Philharmonic and British Britannia
Both are full one-ounce coins from long-established national mints, and both tend to carry lower premiums than the Eagle. They're a sensible way to get more silver for the same money, especially if you're buying in quantity.
Our recommended provider's free kit covers eligible gold and silver coins, rollovers and storage. Best fit if you have $50,000 or more to diversify.
Request the Free KitJunk silver: fine at home, not in an IRA
US dimes, quarters and half dollars minted before 1965 contain 90% silver. They're popular with people storing silver at home because they're small and recognizable. They don't meet the 99.9% purity rule, though, so they can't go into an IRA.
Proof and collector coins
Proof coins are struck with special finishes and sold in presentation cases. Some proof versions of eligible coins can be held in an IRA, but they cost far more than the bullion version for the same silver, and that extra cost is rarely recovered when you sell. If a salesperson steers you toward proofs or "limited editions," ask what the same ounce costs as plain bullion.
Buying tips
- Compare the premium per ounce, not the price per coin.
- Buy in tubes or boxes when possible; premiums usually drop with quantity.
- Ask for the same-day buyback price before you order.
Frequently asked questions
Do coins or bars hold value better?
Both track the silver price. Coins cost more up front but are easier to sell in small amounts. See our silver bars guide for the comparison.
Does the face value matter?
No. A coin's face value is symbolic; its silver content is worth far more.